Susan, a client of mine, is a busy professional who values her appearance and loves going to family-friendly events, beaches and festivals on the weekends.
As the seasons change, her foundation changes, too. Spring weather means she spends more time outdoors, allowing her to get more sun, so I was not surprised when she wanted another shade darker than what she uses in winter. Besides getting the color right, there are other factors to consider, too — which can make choosing a foundation a chore.
If you struggle to find the perfect foundation, here are some helpful tips:
CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLOR
I was able to help Susan find the perfect match for her suntanned complexion by matching not only her skin tone, but her undertone, using a three-color strip test. This test involves sampling three colors not on the hand, but on the face. Trying three different shades helped us find the one that blended best into her skin.
GET THE PERFECT FINISH
Color is not the only thing that matters when selecting a foundation. Susan’s skin type is normal to dry during the winter, so she prefers a luminous finish to add more moisture to her skin. It’s more humid during the spring and summer, so she prefers a matte finish to control the shine.
DON’T FORGET TO PRIME AND SET
We wanted to ensure that Susan’s foundation didn’t melt off her face, so she used a foundation primer before applying her foundation. She used a finishing spray after putting on her foundation, mascara and lip color to extend her wear so she could be gorgeous all day — even in the humidity.
BE FLEXIBLE
Like many women, Susan loves a variety of different foundation types that provide flexibility depending on the activity or event. She uses CC cream when she’s running errands or on the beach because it is the perfect dash-out-the-door foundation. However, liquid foundation with buildable coverage works best for a special event, church or work. A pressed-powder compact is essential for touchups while out and about.
FOUNDATION MATCHING CAN BE A REAL CHALLENGE, SO HERE ARE SOME MUST-DOS:
- Match skin tone and undertone with the three-color strip test.
- Choose the right finish based on your skin type.
- Choose a foundation type (liquid, powder or cream) based on your activity, event and style.
- Use primer and finishing spray to extend the wear in humid conditions.
- Always have pressed powder to touch up on the go.
